Best Resources for Staying Up To Date on Social Media News in 2021
In a world where social media has become an integral part of our daily lives (and our customer’s lives!) it can be overwhelming to sift through all of the platform updates on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Tik Tok & now Clubhouse!
From a brand’s standpoint, when it comes to Social Strategy, being in the “know” plays a crucial role in 1) your content 2) the performance of said content. But as soon as a social trend or new platform feature has taken off, it may seem like you are already too late to the party. And if your team is only made up of a couple of people, this can feel incredibly frustrating.
So, how do you stay up to date in such a fast-paced industry? Today, we will be drawing back the curtain and sharing some of our favorite resources for staying in the social loop. We know that sometimes the budget just doesn't stretch far enough and mission-based brands need to keep social in-house. So we're here to help you take your DIY social to the next level! And of course, when you're ready for a socially conscious agency that can help you reach a purpose-driven audience that aligns with your brand’s values —well, you know where to find us! ;)
You may have heard of Later, the scheduling platform, but did you know, they are also an excellent resource, offering tips & tricks and the latest in all things social media? Every single day, their accounts are filled with knowledge. With hacks like “the formula for a perfect Instagram bio” or influencers offering their top social media tools, if you are looking to learn, Later is the place to be! I particularly love how they blend both influencers and social media marketers into their content strategy. It gives you an insight on both sides of the spectrum while providing key tips you may not have known otherwise.
The Totally Taryn Social team attended their virtual LaterCon in 2020 which had many guest speakers (including YouTubers, bloggers, business owners, and social media professionals), and some of the tips they shared are still a part of our routine to this day! Want to know how to create the perfect flatlay? Later has got you covered. Are you a photographer who wants the scoop on new editing techniques? Later is here for you! Plus, check out their scheduling platform. It really is one of the easiest schedulers I have used and is totally fuss-free!
I’ve said it once (or a thousand times) and I’ll say it again: Canva is a game-changer. Another game-changer? Your Social Team. Here at Totally Taryn Social, we LOVE the beautiful templates they offer as well as the daily tips and tricks they reveal about Canva and other social media news. Who informed me that music was back on Reels and IG stories (royalty-free music, but still!)? Your Social Team. Who took me step-by-step on how to cut out a GIF and put it into a video on Canva? Yup, you guessed it: Your Social Team. Their highlight buttons alone on Instagram are a GREAT resource for staying up to date. They have different highlights such as IG Tips, templates, Q&As and IG News, all of which can help you stay up to date.
We recommend also checking out their other account: @yourtemplateclub, which is their Canva template subscription! Here, you can find beautiful backgrounds, engaging tools, and additional tips on Canva that you never knew about before. We know how difficult it is to be doing multiple jobs at once, which is why DIY resources are the key to staying afloat! The day will come when you’re ready to take your purpose-driven brand to the next level on Social, and we will be there with you every step of the way!
Trust us, we get it: it is extremely difficult to play multiple roles in your company. That’s what makes the DIY resources so vital, especially when you’re just starting out! Staying in the “know” about new platform features can make or break your success in organic social. Enter The Social Media CEO. They are filled with content creation tricks and information on how to optimize your channels. One thing I love in particular about Stephanie and the rest of her team is that they have built an amazing community of marketers that frequent their pages each day. They get the budget struggles, the daily challenges, and moreover, are there to lend a hand to help! All it takes is a scroll-through the comments on their latest posts to see what other agencies and marketers in the field are struggling with that day. Whether it be the fact that Reels does not offer us insights yet (come on, Instagram, please!) or the fact that LinkedIn has stories on their platform now (still on the fence here), their comments section alone acts as a forum filled with information.
More often than not, I scroll through their posts and am either saying “YES! I was just dealing with this the other day!” OR “That’s something to add to my to-do list tomorrow…” They are always ahead of the game, discussing new features before they have become an overwhelming trend. Plus, they are always a support system to others, with their witty memes or motivational posts to push us to know our worth in the industry. And we love a positive, supportive social space, don’t we? ;)
If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that there is no shortage of social media accounts to follow to stay up to date. Whether you are looking for tips on optimizing your brand’s social presence, tricks for designing new content or just want an inside look at influencers & social media managers’ strategies, these are just a few of our favorite resources to utilize. And when you're ready for an agency to help you maximize your reach with an audience that aligns with your purpose-driven brand’s values, we are here!
Regardless of where you are in your purpose-driven brand’s journey, we’d love to connect. And of course, don’t forget to add the Totally Taryn Social Blog to the top of your resource list for all of your socially conscious social needs.
Totally,
Emily